3 ms·

I was extremely impressed with the standard screens shown at Alamo Drafthouse. In the Downtown LA branch, after seeing Last Night in Soho, I just had to talk to

I was extremely impressed with the standard screens shown at Alamo Drafthouse. In the Downtown LA branch, after seeing Last Night in Soho, I just had to talk to the projectionist. He was kind enough to discuss technical aspects for over an hour. He explained that they do projector and audio calibrations as part of their bring up for adding a new film. The video calibration being a special laser they use from the center of the room combined with the projectionist's gut feel. The audio being setting up microphones through the room and measuring test signals through the different speakers. The results show: the standard screening of Last Night in Soho looked and sounded better than the Dolby version I saw in AMC. AMC does not have this kind of care placed on their screens because I think they have essentially cut their projectionist staff down to the bare minimum. The article alluded to the massive investment AMC is doing by replacing the majority of their standard screens over to the new Barco Laser projectors. Here in NJ they are rolling these changes out theater by theater. It was really disappointing to see that AMC Empire 25 really messed up the presentation that the author saw as they were one of the first theaters to undergo this renovation.

bob1029 4y ago
Alamo Drafthouse is what competent small business leadership looks like. I used to go there every other week when I lived in ATX.
- alexsereno 4y ago
  Sadly they sold to a hedge fund and quality has been going downhill, but yes, for years Alamo was the only thing that kept me going to theaters. It’s still much better than any competitor though
  - bob1029 4y ago
    I didn't hear this news. Sad indeed. I don't have a lot of hope reserved for these kinds of experiences anymore.
scyzoryk_xyz 4y ago
You are correct. Here in EU is the same with the corporate mall theaters. What we do have however are larger networks of subsidized cinemas which almost operate like non-profits. Those usually have projectionists who don’t cut corners. In my time working with filmmakers and going to film festivals - there really is an obsession with getting it “just right”. It is truly sad to me how the US has only so many of these Alamo Theaters. Every community should have a properly functioning cinema - it shouldn’t be treated like a computer you hit play on.

bob1029 4y ago

Alamo Drafthouse is what competent small business leadership looks like. I used to go there every other week when I lived in ATX.

alexsereno 4y ago
Sadly they sold to a hedge fund and quality has been going downhill, but yes, for years Alamo was the only thing that kept me going to theaters. It’s still much better than any competitor though
- bob1029 4y ago
  I didn't hear this news. Sad indeed. I don't have a lot of hope reserved for these kinds of experiences anymore.

scyzoryk_xyz 4y ago

You are correct. Here in EU is the same with the corporate mall theaters. What we do have however are larger networks of subsidized cinemas which almost operate like non-profits. Those usually have projectionists who don’t cut corners. In my time working with filmmakers and going to film festivals - there really is an obsession with getting it “just right”. It is truly sad to me how the US has only so many of these Alamo Theaters. Every community should have a properly functioning cinema - it shouldn’t be treated like a computer you hit play on.